Posted on 07/12/2007 6:49:24 PM PDT by SandRat
The Royal Australian Navy Anzac Class Frigate HMAS Toowoomba arrived home following a six-month deployment to the Northern Persian Gulf. Her ship's company of 183 men and women were greeted by the Minister Assisting the Minister of Defence, Mr Bruce Billson, the Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Davyd Thomas and family and friends.
HMAS Toowoomba was stationed in the Northern Persian Gulf as part of Operation Catalyst, Australia's commitment to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq, from January to July of this year.
During her time in the Gulf, Toowoomba conducted 65 boarding and security patrols, more than 300 boat evolutions, 16 replenishments at sea and vertical replenishments, 230 flying hours by its embarked Navy Seahawk helicopter and 470 investigative queries of merchant vessels.
Toowoomba was away for 179 days, with 146 spent at sea. During this period one member became a father for the first time, and the ship received 2780 kilograms of mail from family and friends.
WOO-HOO!!!!
Leading Seaman Electronic Technician Wright holds his son Thomas for the first time.
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